2021 - Best Nursing Schools in West Virginia

Overview of Nursing Schools in West Virginia

About Nursing Schools in West Virginia

There are fewer than 20,000 registered nurses in the state of West Virginia. According to a recent study, less than half of those registered nurses have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher. There is a need, now more than ever, for bachelor’s-prepared nurses who are trained to lead and manage other nurses. Nursing schools across the state of West Virginia that offer online classes as well as traditional campus settings in addition to distance learning options. Nurses are encouraged to seek information from multiple schools to make the best decision possible.

In our West Virginia RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key West Virginia RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.

In the State of West Virginia, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.

Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.

BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

West Virginia RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN

Best Ranked RN Programs in West Virginia

To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both West Virginia and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.

To create our rankings, we evaluated 11 ADN degree programs and 7 BSN degree programs in West Virginia. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in West Virginia to provide our state rankings. View our methodology. 

Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in West Virginia

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in West Virginia

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in West Virginia offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

West Virginia  RN Licensing Requirements

West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses
101 Dee Drive, Suite 102
Charleston, WV 25311
(304) 558-3596

Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $51.50
License renewal (annual), RN: $65

Continuing Education Requirements:
12 contact hours per renewal period

RN Licensure by Exams

Candidates must complete a criminal background check before obtaining licensure. Candidates should schedule an appointment with L-1 Identity Solutions in order to meet this requirement. Scheduling can be completed online. The application fee is $51.50 and there is an additional $200 fee that is made payable to Pearson VUE, the company that hosts the NCLEX exam. There are two certifications that must be included with the application: someone who can attest to the good moral character of the candidate and one from the director or dean of the nursing program. A candidate may be issued a 90-day temporary permit after graduation but it will become invalidated if the is unsuccessful in passing the NCLEX exam on the first attempt. In this case, the candidate will need to reapply and pay additional fees. After two failed attempts, there will be additional requirements that will need to be met before obtaining authorization again.

RN License by Endorsement

Nurses who obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states will be able to obtain licensure by endorsement in the state of West Virginia after submitting fingerprints at a local law enforcement agency.

RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad

In some cases nurses who completed a program outside of the United States will also be able to obtain licensure in West Virginia. Candidates will be required to submit certification by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools prior to applying to take the NCLEX exam through the Board. There is a $60 fee for the endorsement.

RN Salaries in West Virginia

The demand for nurses could grow by 23% by the year 2020 which may create up to 4,000 new jobs. Nurses who have obtained a bachelor’s degree will find that they are well prepared to handle the constantly evolving industry. Nurses in West Virginia earn a median income level of $53,100. The specific wages are dependent on the education and experience level of the individual nurse. Baccalaureate-prepared nurses receive training in leadership and management, which prepares them for administrative positions within hospitals and nursing homes.

West Virginia Registered Nursing Salaries

The Charleston metropolitan area has the highest number of employed registered nurses along with the highest hourly wage and annual median wage.

Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.